I used to work for Steven Spielberg. When he was in post production on Saving Private Ryan back in 1998, Hasbro sent 11 prototype 12" G.I. Joe Action figures to the studio for Steven to look at. Though he loved the Tom Hanks WWII replica, he asked Hasbro to NOT make anymore & destroy any remaining figures due to the seriousness tone of the film. Though the Tom Hanks doll was massed produced & later sold as a regular G.I. Joe doll (with a beard), I have one of the eleven packaged in complete Private Ryan Memorabilia Box. I was requested by Spielberg's archivist to give one to Tom Hanks, deliver one to Spielberg's son Max, & he gave me & the other PA in the office one as well. The other five he asked to be delivered into his archives. A few years later, my roommate was Tom Hanks production assistant for over 5 years, & for a birthday gift he had Tom Autograph the actual Saving Private Ryan box that his action figure is in. It is a 1 in 11 ever made & the only ONE autographed by Tom Hanks himself...

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Crindad, 3 years agoHi there...I also have a Tom Hanks (SPR) GI JOE in the original box. As far as you know is there really on 11 of these?

Mikewil74, 3 years agoWow, amazing timing! I just received more info regarding this figure. 11 were delivered to Spielberg's office, but from what I understand & have been recently told that about 300 were manufactured in this original box & handed out as party favor's at an event Tom Hank's held years ago. The figure itself was massed produced, but this new info brings to light that there were at least 300 distributed in this original Hasbro Box. As far as I know, The one I have is the only one autographed by Tom Hanks. When I have a moment, & when I receive permission from the fellow who gave me this info, I will post a thorough history of this piece, which to date, I was in the dark about. You are the first person in over 10 years that has come forward claiming to have this same action figure in the Hasbro Box. I'm excited to know others are aware & have this collector's item as well. I'll keep you posted.